Reviews for Times to remember

The average rating for Times to remember based on 2 reviews is 2.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2014-01-06 00:00:00 RENEE POLIT "Fusty" barely begins to cover it, although some of that is understandable. She was essentially a Victorian/Edwardian who lived well into the late 20th century, and she managed to control an exceptional series of tragedies with steel in her spine and a rosary in her hands. The real problem with this autobiography is the sheer amount of Kennedy books released since she wrote it in 1973. They have collectively blown the roof off Mrs. Kennedy's genteel descriptions of herself as the loved wife of Joseph P. Kennedy, wise businessman, with herself a somewhat strict mother, as opposed to the remote figure most of her children would have remembered. One of the issues is that none of the four eldest wrote an autobiography, for various reasons. It would have been particularly interesting to hear Kathleen's and JFK's takes on their mother. Joe, Jr. inevitably emerges as a shadowy figure, and while her revelations about Rosemary's condition were mildly shocking in their day, the details were already well known by the time Mrs. Kennedy penned her memoirs. There is no disclosure of exactly what did happen to the young woman, i.e. a shattering lobotomy performed without the knowledge of her mother. If she can't admit that her husband used profanity (and she can't, even when other people document it), she certainly isn't going to task him with an act of desperation that left Rosemary with no alternative other than lifelong institutionalization. I admire many members of this family, either those by birth or some of those who married into it. But Rose, not so much, and this book did nothing to dissuade me that I am wrong.

Review # 2 was written on 2015-01-12 00:00:00 Martin Sladek I've always admired the Kennedys. Much like the British Royal Family, the Kennedys combine a tradition of service to their country with glamour, tragedy, and limitless wealth. So, naturally, I have a great deal of respect for and interest in Rose Kennedy who is by all accounts a truly remarkable woman. However, thanks to innumerable books on the Kennedy family and countless People Magazine covers, even the most casual observer knows the Kennedy saga has its glorious triumphs as well as its scandalous lows. So, it's almost humorous to read Rose's genteel take on her husband's "friendship" with Gloria Swanson or Ted's "unpleasantness" at Chappaquiddick. Rose occasionally comes across as a bit ridiculous and is often unintentionally hilarious, for no matter what sadness has befallen her or her family she never forgets to observe the proprieties. Nor does she ever miss the chance to, repeatedly, remind others to do so! Mary Worth has nothing on this lady! Ultimately, in the guise of author I likened Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy to an old movie star like Joan Crawford or Lana Turner. Whenever one of those ladies made a film, they made best friends with the lighting guys, insisted on certain hairdressers, make-up artists and dress designers. The public wasn't going to see them looking less than their best. And, in 'Times to Remember' the public sees Rose and her family looking their absolute best. After all, appearences matter.